Types of Asthma Inhalers: A Complete Guide for Parents
Quick Answer: There are two main types of asthma inhalers - relievers (blue, for quick relief during attacks) and preventers (brown/orange, used daily to prevent symptoms). Children should use inhalers with a spacer device for better medication delivery. Getting the right inhaler AND using it correctly are equally important. Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan.
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Understanding Asthma Inhalers
Watch: Managing Your Child's Health
Inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs, making them more effective than oral medications with fewer side effects.
The Two Main Categories
Type
Purpose
When to Use
**Relievers**
Quick relief of symptoms
During attacks, before exercise
**Preventers**
Prevent symptoms from occurring
Daily, even when feeling well
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Reliever Inhalers (Rescue Inhalers)
What They Do
Open airways quickly
Relieve wheezing, coughing, breathlessness
Work within minutes
Effect lasts 4-6 hours
Common Types
Medicine
Brand Names
Typical Color
**Salbutamol**
Ventolin, Asthalin
Blue
**Levosalbutamol**
Levolin
Blue/green
**Terbutaline**
Bricanyl
White/blue
When to Use Relievers
During an asthma attack
When experiencing symptoms (wheezing, coughing, tight chest)
15-20 minutes before exercise (if exercise triggers symptoms)
As directed by doctor
Warning Sign: If your child needs their reliever more than 3 times a week (excluding pre-exercise use), their asthma may not be well controlled. Talk to your doctor.
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Preventer Inhalers (Controller Inhalers)
What They Do
Reduce inflammation in airways
Prevent symptoms from occurring
Take 2-4 weeks to show full effect
Must be used daily, even when feeling well
Common Types
Medicine
Brand Names
Typical Color
**Beclomethasone**
Beclate
Brown
**Budesonide**
Budecort, Pulmicort
Brown/orange
**Fluticasone**
Flixotide, Flovent
Orange
**Ciclesonide**
Alvesco
Varies
Important Points About Preventers
They don't provide immediate relief
Must be taken every day
Rinse mouth after use (prevents oral thrush)
Don't stop suddenly without doctor's advice
May take weeks to see full benefit
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Combination Inhalers
Some inhalers contain both preventer and long-acting reliever:
Medicine
Contents
**Seretide/Seroflo**
Fluticasone + Salmeterol
**Symbicort**
Budesonide + Formoterol
**Foster**
Beclomethasone + Formoterol
Used for moderate-to-severe asthma when single medications aren't enough.
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Delivery Devices
Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
The most common type - a pressurized canister that releases a measured dose.
For children: Always use with a spacer device!
Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
Delivers medication as a fine powder that the child breathes in.
Best for: Older children (usually 6+) who can breathe in strongly
Nebulizer
Turns liquid medication into a fine mist.
Best for:
Infants and very young children
Severe asthma attacks
Children who can't use inhalers effectively
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The Spacer: Essential for Children
A spacer is a holding chamber that attaches to the MDI inhaler.
Why Spacers Are Important
Without Spacer
With Spacer
Requires perfect timing
No timing needed
Medication hits throat
More reaches lungs
More side effects
Fewer side effects
Difficult for children
Easy for all ages
Spacer Sizes
Age
Spacer Type
0-3 years
Spacer with face mask
3-6 years
Spacer with mouthpiece or mask
6+ years
Spacer with mouthpiece
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How to Use an Inhaler (With Spacer)
Step-by-Step Guide
Shake the inhaler well
Remove caps from inhaler and spacer
Attach inhaler to spacer
Breathe out gently
Place mouthpiece in mouth (or mask over nose and mouth)
Press inhaler once
Breathe in slowly and deeply
Hold breath for 10 seconds (or 5-6 breaths with mask)
Wait 30-60 seconds before second puff if needed
Rinse mouth if using preventer inhaler
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not shaking inhaler before use
Pressing inhaler before breathing in (without spacer)
Breathing in too fast
Not holding breath after inhaling
Not rinsing mouth after preventer
Running out of medication
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Tips for Children Using Inhalers
Younger Children (0-5 years)
Challenge
Solution
Scared of mask
Let them play with it, decorate it
Won't stay still
Use while sleeping or watching TV
Cries during use
Crying = deeper breaths (it works!)
Refuses
Make it part of routine, use rewards
Older Children (6+ years)
Explain why they need it
Let them take ownership of their asthma
Teach proper technique
Create routine (brush teeth → inhaler)
Involve them in asthma action plan
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Creating an Asthma Action Plan
Work with your doctor to create a written plan that includes:
Green Zone (All Clear)
No symptoms
Peak flow 80-100% of best
Action: Continue preventer, normal activities
Yellow Zone (Caution)
Coughing, wheezing, tight chest
Peak flow 50-80% of best
Action: Use reliever, may increase preventer
Red Zone (Emergency)
Severe symptoms
Peak flow below 50%
Reliever not helping
Action: Use reliever, seek medical help immediately
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When to See a Doctor
Routine Visits
Every 3-6 months for asthma review
When starting new medication
To update asthma action plan
Urgent Care Needed If:
Reliever not working
Symptoms getting worse
Using reliever more than 3 times/week
Waking at night with symptoms
Missing school due to asthma
Emergency Signs
Severe breathing difficulty
Blue lips or fingernails
Can't speak in full sentences
Ribs visible with each breath
Reliever providing no relief
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my child become dependent on inhalers?
A: No! Inhalers treat asthma - they don't cause dependency. Not using prescribed inhalers can lead to poorly controlled asthma and lung damage.
Q: Are steroid inhalers safe for children?
A: Yes, when used as prescribed. Inhaled steroids deliver tiny doses directly to lungs with minimal body-wide effects. The risks of uncontrolled asthma far outweigh any inhaler risks.
Q: How do I know if the inhaler is empty?
A: Many inhalers have dose counters. Without one, track how many doses used vs. how many in the canister. Never test by spraying in air (wastes medication).
Q: Can my child outgrow asthma?
A: Many children see improvement as they grow. Some "outgrow" symptoms, though airways may remain sensitive. Continue treatment as prescribed and discuss with doctor.
Q: Should my child carry their inhaler at school?
A: Yes! Ensure school has a written asthma plan and knows how to help. Older children should carry their own reliever. Keep backup inhalers at school and home.
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Key Takeaways
Two types: Relievers (blue, quick relief) and preventers (daily use)
Spacers are essential for children using MDI inhalers
Technique matters - proper use ensures medication reaches lungs
Preventers daily even when child feels well
Have an action plan that everyone knows
Don't skip doses - uncontrolled asthma is dangerous
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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